When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl Anthony Towns before the NBA season started, they made sure that sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo was a part of that blockbuster trade. The Wolves have been interested in DiVincenzo for well over a year, and now with the chance to get him, they jumped on that trade sending Towns to New York for Julius Randle, Keita Bates-Diop, and two future first-round picks.
The Wolves coveted the outside shooting that DiVincenzo brings, and also his on-ball defense. DiVincenzo is a 37% three-pointer shooter for his career, including shooting a career-high 40 % from three last year with the Knicks. The first 25 games were a struggle for Donte shooting in the low 30% from three and only averaging around nine points per game. He looked lost on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, almost at times trying to do too much, but Donte has been sizzling from three-point range in the last six games. Here’s Donte explaining how hard it’s been getting used to a new system.
Divincenzo finding his game in Minnesota.
Over the last 6 games, DiVincenzo is averaging 16.8 PPG, shooting 50% from the field, and 49% from three-point range. Donte has also shown big improvements in his defense lately. While he missed a three-pointer with 1:36 remaining in the fourth quarter and Minnesota up by three, that didn’t get him discouraged over a missed opportunity, Donte hustled down the floor to make a clutch play, deflecting Chris Paul’s pass that would have led to an easy Victor Webanyama hoop and cut the lead to one.
That’s what the Timberwolves knew they were getting when they made the trade for him. Donte’s presence alone has helped the Wolves play a little better, and develop good chemistry that hasn’t been there in the first 25 games.
The T-Wolves Hunt the Thunder in Oklahoma City
Up next the Wolves will take on the best team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5 record). The Thunder have a great blend of scoring and defense. All-Star Shai Gilgeous Alexander is 2nd in the league, scoring 31 PPG, averaging 6.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Potential All-Star Jalen Williams averaging 21.2 PPG has been incredible not only with his scoring and shooting, but also with his playmaking, averaging 5.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He is a vital part of this Thunder team in many ways. The addition of Isaiah Hartenstein has been huge. He signed a 3 year $87 million deal that lured him away from the Knicks. He’s averaging 12.6 PPG and 9.7 rebounds per game, both career highs.
Dynamic Duo: Dort & Caruso Inject Energy into the Thunder
The additions of Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso give the Thunder another dimension on both offense and defense. Caruso will be out for tonight’s game with a nagging hip injury. Dort typically draws the toughest defender on the team and takes pride in it every game. The Thunder will be without big man Chet Holmgren who has only played in 10 games this year with a hip injury. Holmgren played all 82 games last year and was on a good pace to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate before he sustained his hip injury. Tonight’s game can be seen on NBATV @ 7 PM Central in Oklahoma City.
For more great Hardwood Heroics Content
Follow me on Twitter at @Ruze_Twins. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional sports, click here.
